Franciacorta: Italian Lakes, Italian Sparkling Wines.

From the wonderful vineyards to the beautiful Lake Iseo: discover the magic of Franciacorta.

The softness of the hills, the mild climate, the Alps, which can be seen from far away, as a precious frame: Franciacorta is a very special and unique land.In our journey we’ll be with www.myownitaly.com a travel and tourism website where you can discover unusual and different itineraries in Italy.

Bubbly wines on Lake Iseo.

Let’s start from Franciacorta, renown for the products of its land and in quality oenology. energies, enthusiasm, passion and innovation drawn by the great international success that these splendid bubbles have obtained. In 1995 Franciacorta was given D.O.C.G. (Denomination of Origin Controlled and Guaranteed) status, a significant testimonial to its winemakers? continuing commitment to excellent work and to further improving the quality of Franciacorta wines. Because saying Franciacorta today means proudly and confidently declaring a great love for wine. Franciacorta has been named the official sparkling wine of the upcoming Expo, a terrific success for the Lombardy winegrowers of the DOCG that is the fruit of the world’s most exacting Production Code for its wine category.

We can visit the most famous italian wineries in the world for sparkling wine production: both Berlucchi and Ca ‘del Bosco are excellent wine cellar. Each visit is focused on wine tasting and gives also the opportunity to buy the precious bottles that here are produced.We will continue the journey with a transfer to Lake Iseo, where I suggest to stay at the Hotel Rivalago, delightful and charming relais overlooking the waters of the lake and in front of Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe.

Touring Lake Iseo

You can relax with a drink from the bar service on one of our sun beds on the dock and watching the sunset: this will make your romantic and suggestive stay unforgettable.The next day, after a rich and tasty breakfast, we are ready for the hike to island Monte Isola. You can walk to the pier not far from the hotel and take the ferry boat directly to Peschiera Maraglio.

On the island you can admire the characteristic medieval villages and appreciate the food specialties of the place: the Monte Isola salami and also the dried fish served with polenta; then of course you can buy local products, such as all the net artifacts, famous and appreciated all over the world. I suggest to take advantage of the beauty of the island for a walk along the shore or rent bicycles for an exploration to fully admire the beautiful views offered by the circumnavigation of Monte Isola.

After lunch, come back to hotel where you can have a fresh shower and enjoy an Italian pizza just on your terrace tasting it sitting in the chaise lounge: a very relaxing time.The last day, the suggestion is to do another beautiful day tour that you can’t miss before going home: lake Endine, a little lake (only 14 km long!) surrounded by wonderful reed beds. Lake Endine is located in Valcavallina in Bergamo: here the stillness of the lake allows you to enjoy the beauty of the landscape directly from the quite water aboard the paddle boats, rented on site.

Lago Maggiore Tour and Cooking Class

Meeting at your hotel. Leaving at 9 o’clock in the morning to visit the Lago Maggiore most beautiful attraction in the area near Varese, boat tour of the lakes included. Lunch not included (Light brunch suggested). After the tour, in the afternoon, we continue to Busto Arsizio, at the Righouse Shop where you can find all the best of Made in Italy for your home. Time for shopping, then we transfer to the second floor to begin our cooking class in a real professional kitchen. We will prepare a real 3 courses dinner (Italian menu: welcome cocktail, entries, 2 main dishes, best wines, and all fresh and genuine ingredients included). After dinner transfer back to your hotel.

I am a professional tourist guide since 1999, I was working in Mexico where I was living until 2011, for Italian, English and Spanish tourists. I’ve been working both with groups and individuals tours, throughout all Mexico, in particular Mayan area in the South-West and sometimes Guatemala. When I came back to Italy I experienced the opportunity that Righousekitchen was offering me, to become teacher for their cooking classes to the children. I also organize birthday parties, events entertainment both with children and adults, where we prepare most of the typical italian dishes, and Mexican dishes. It is really exciting and satisfactory, people really enjoy prepare food, learn new receipes, expecially italian cooking ones. also the moment we seat down and enjoy our home made food!

Lovely Towns Around Lake Garda – Good Cuisine, Scenery and Olive Oil.

With amazing landscapes, countless theme parks – Gardaland, Movie Studios, Medieval Times to name a few – scenic villages and a gourmet gastronomic tradition, exciting water sports to experience, you’ll wish to come again to visit Lake Garda. Start the tour of the lake from the suggestive southern villages of Desenzano, Peschiera and Sirmione or explore its surroundings through tailored itineraries.

What to eat when visiting lake Garda.

Lake Garda cuisine has a very eclectic style, incorporating all the ingredients of the land, and the lake. Of course there is an emphasis on the lake fishes such as Pike and Tench, Risotto that is an always present classic of the Veneto and Lombard cuisine. Home made Pasta such as Bigoli that are a sort of fatten up spaghetti are a ever green classic of the area. The Lake Garda DOP olive oil here is the king of the table and visitor should not miss the opportunity to taste it.

Desenzano, in the province of Brescia (Lombardy)

Located in the south westernmost shore of Lake Garda, Desenzano del Garda or Desenzano is a picturesque village with a medieval heart. This tourist destination in the province of Brescia attracts tourists for summer vacations along its peddled beaches: Desenzanino, Rivoltella and Spiaggia d’Oro. But there are many other interesting activities to do than simply laze around the fresh waters of the lake: explore the great outdoors through hiking trails on Mount Corno, taste local specialities matched with excellent wines – Cabernet, Merlot – and lake fish such as Pike (luccio) topped with the Lake Garda PDO extra virgin olive oil, stroll in the city centre to visit the charming Cathedral of Santa Maria Maddalena and other monuments, experience sailing and windsurf on the lake, enjoy the vibrant night life.Desenzano is connected with Milan, Venice and other tourist destination through the railway network. From Emilia Romagna, it takes 1h30 of easy drive from the town of Bologna and you will cross the beautiful towns of Modena, Mantua and Verona along the way.

Peschiera del garda, in the province of Verona (Veneto)

Lying on the southeaster bank of the Lake, Peschiera del Garda has been inhabited since Roman times as you may notice visiting its fascinating historical centre characterized by the military fortress and archaeological sites. The city draws pilgrims’ attention for the presence of the church of Madonna del Frassino. Situated at the heart of the natural sites of Laghetto del Frassino and the Mincio Valley, Peschiera del Garda is the perfect starting point for walking excursions in the lush vegetation. The village is placed just a few kilometres from the place of production of one of the finest Italian DOC wines, the Lugana. Enjoy gastronomic tours and have lunch in first-class restaurants serving regional cuisine such as bigoli with sardines, risotto with tench.

Get to Peschiera del Garda from Verona or Desenzano via the A4 highway. If you want to reach Lake Garda from Bologna, you just need to follow the directions of A1 and A22.

Sirmione, in the province of Brescia (Lombardy)

You may have heard of Sirmione thanks to the poetic works of Catullo, Goethe and Stendhal who fell in love with this little charming site. Placed in a long peninsula it geographically divides Desenzano from Peschiera, giving the opportunity to admire romantic sunsets and the cities skyline by the lake. Besides being a popular SPA landmark, Sirmione is the production site of the DOC white wine Lugana, so you can take gourmet wine tasting tours. Its impressive city center is dominated by the Scaligera fortress, Roman villas and monuments dating back the Longobard and the Venetian dominations, so it can be considered an ideal tourist destination for cultural excursions. As for Desenzano and Peschiera, you can get to Sirmione through the A4 highway if you come from Verona. But if you wouldn’t mind to visit other interesting towns before reaching Lake Garda, travel through the A13 from Bologna for a 2h30 itinerary that includes Ferrara, Padova, Vicenza and Verona.

Wine and Olive oils tours from Desenzano, Peschiera and Sirmione.

Lake Garda has a remarkable climates that allows to grow olive trees in this northern area, actually it is the northernmost olive growing oil area in the world. Emilia Delizia organises olive oil tours in Cisano at the olive oil museum. The tour also will include tastings and visits at a local producer. Bardolino is also a famous hot spot for high quality wines where visitor can taste the world renowned Amarone wines that are made from raisins. Our company can set up a gourmet day for your group that includes culinary experience such as a Lake Garda wine tour.

Gourmet food and skiing on the Italian Alps.

Probably only Italy is the sole country where someone is able to hit the slopes and at at the same time have some gourmet dining experience. Check out some great destination on the Italian Alps like Madonna di Campiglio and Cortina for some hearty traditional Italian food that does not fail to please even the most demanding foodie.

From the wonderful scenery of the Dolomites to the captivating landscape of Alps, Italy offers exclusive ski resorts for winter sport enthusiasts. Read on to find out the top winter destinations in Northern Italy where you can enjoy infinite slopes with different level of proficiency, practice your favourite winter sports – snowboard, cross-country, Nordic sky – extreme sports – ice climbing and paragliding – walking tours in natural parks and taste typical products.

Madonna di Campiglio in the Brenta Dolomites (Trentino)

Located in the Rendena Valley, Madonna di Campiglio is a popular ski resort nestled in the Brenta Dolomites Park – UNESCO World Natural Site. With 57 lifts and up to 150 km of slopes, its snow park is one of the best equipped of Northern Italy. Moreover, you have direct access to Pinzolo, Folgarida and Marilleva pistes for never-ending snow adventures.

If the vibrant city center is full of tourists and VIPs, the enchanting surrounding valleys are heavenly peaceful and dotted with the Castles of Trentino.After a day full of emotions, relax in a restaurant to taste Val Rendena delicacies as polenta, mushrooms and wild games.

Are you ready for an exciting tour? If so, you should get to Madonna di Campiglio ski resort from Emilia Romagna, after an easy drive of about 3 hours, scheduling stops in the beautiful towns of Mantua, Verona, Lake Garda, Rovereto and Trento.

Bormio & Livigno in the Alps (Lombardy)

Take a breath of fresh air booking mountain holidays in Bormio and Livigno, two of the best ski resorts of Lombardy overlooking the Valtellina valley, near to the Stelvio National Park. When in Bormio, combine chill excursions in the snow and wellness moments at the spa. Over 50 km of superb pistes and the World Cup runs awaits you.

From the village of Bormio, you can access to the snowboarders’ heaven of Livigno to experience freestyle activities on its slopes. Livigno city center if full of après-ski attractions for tourists, so you can rest in cosy restaurants and take a stroll to do shopping. From here, popular locations as Zemez and Saint Moritz, in Switzerland, are quite close. Delight your palate with the pizzoccheri, Sciatt e Manfrigole typical of Valtelline food. Situated in the province of Sondrio, you can get to Bormio and Livigno from Milan in about 3 hours and 4 hours from Bologna.

Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Ampezzo Dolomites (Veneto)

Cortina d’Ampezzo, or simply Cortina, is one of the most exclusive ski resorts in Italy. Provided of state of the art infrastructures and 1120 km of pistes, in 1956 it hosted the Olympics sports and has always been the favourite winter destination for celebrities and aristocrats.

Situated at the heart of the wonderful Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites – UNESCO Natural Heritage Site since 2009 – and lying in the Valle del Boite, Cortina is the ideal point to access the park all year round both for winter sports and summer walking tours.

After a day spent in the high white peaks, you can have a nice walk in the city center surrounded by scenic views of the mountains. As you walk down the Corso Italia, you will find elegant boutiques but also gourmet restaurants offering specialities coming from the Austrian and Tyrol heritage – knodel, the grostl, the apfelstrudel.

Situated in the province of Belluno, Cortina can be reached in two hours from Venice and three hours from Bologna.

What to eat in Milan – Colours and Flavours of traditional Milanese cuisine

Eating at a Milanese restaurant is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Milan traditional cuisine is typically rich in ingredients: on the one hand this provides colourful dishes; on the other hand these foods are always very tasteful.

Take Minestrone for example. Peasant dish par excellence, this is a rainbow of vegetables, a soup made with carrots, zucchini, cabbage, onions, and beans; but it’s also an intensely flavoured dish because according to the ‘perfect recipe’ it must contain even lard and pork rind.

And Risotto alla Milanese. Just try and find another dish of this colour Ok, it’s a single shade of colour nothing to do with the rainbow of Minestrone, but in its simplicity it is extremely particular. Saffron is the element that gives colour to rice, filling it with an unmistakable flavour at the same time. In some restaurants in Milan, saffron rice is served along with a delicious piece of meat called osso buco, cross-cut veal shanks cooked in butter and a little stock. At that point, even Yellow Rice becomes a multi-colour dish.

And what about the tasty Cotoletta alla Milanese, better known as “la Milanese” in all the restaurant menus around the World. That crispy, golden breadcrumb crust contains a veal cutlet with bone: if it is cooked to perfection, when you cut it you will still see blood-red meat at the centre and close to the bone, which offers a nice contrast. Also its taste is unique: a meat slice covered with a crust of bread and eggs.

If you happen to visit Milan in the cold winter (December to February) and you wish to try one of the most classic Milanese dishes, Cassoeula (pronounced Càsola) is the answer, to delight your eyes and nose with a preparation that bears the typical colours of autumn/winter: the straw yellow of fallen leaves, with shades of beige and brown. The main ingredients of Cassoeula are cabbage and all the less ‘noble’ parts of the pig, those scorned by the Lords in the past, which therefore ended up in the peasants’ pots: the rind, feet, ribs and head of the pig. That said: can you only imagine what a strong, extremely tasty flavour this popular dish now proposed in the best Milanese restaurants or served in many trattorias in Brianza and Lodigiano may have?

Talking of colours & flavours we cannot miss to mention Panettone, another cult in Milan with regards to traditional cuisine. On the outside it looks like a big bread with a thousand shades. When you cut it open, the inside is yellow due to the great number of eggs used in the preparation. Each slice is poetry for the eye, due to the presence of this storm of coloured drops: dark raisins, and multicoloured pieces of candied fruit. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth explosion of taste, which always sounds of Christmas carols as soon as you close your eyes.

So if someone tells you that in Milan you will only eat Polenta (hint: polenta with Gorgonzola cheese, mmmhh mouth-watering,) just remember that they are wrong. Milanese cuisine offers plenty of traditional dishes, that satisfy the palate and the eyes, too.

What to eat in Mantua

Mantua food exploration

This medium town in the north of Italy share many culinary tradition with Emilia Romagna. There you will find hard cheese, red sparkling wines, stuffed egg pasta, vegetable and fruit preserves aromatised with mustard, and cured meats.

Cheese

Mantua produces both Parmesan and Grana Padano. The former is only produced in a small area south of the Po river near the neighbouring province of Modena. Of course it is possible to visit the Parmigiano Reggiano producer in the area. Grana Padano is still a PDO cheese however it is considered of lower quality due to the use of anti fermentative in the ageing process.

Pumpkin the queen of the mantua cuisine.

Manuta lays in the flat of the fertile Padana plain, traditionally pumpkin, melons and watermelons grow plentiful. Especially pumpkins find the way in the local cuisine. Typical tortelli di zucca are egg pasta parcels stuffed with the delicious vegetables. Sometimes to the filling it is added some crumbled amaretti biscuits, giving to the savoury dish a truly unique taste. It is recommended to try them topped with Parmesan and balsamic vinegar.

Mostarde.

In this area of northern Italy is alo tradition to cook pasta dumplings in capon and beef brisket broth. In Mantua the resulting meat is eaten hot or cold accompanied with mostarde. These are preserved fruits and vegetables with a hint of mustard. So if you are visiting in winter you cannot leave without savouring bollito misto (mix boiled meats) with it matching mostarda.

Torta sbrisolona and torta di tagliatelle.

Torta sbrisolona is the Italian version of the crumble cake, it is traditional and probably inherited from the royal banquets in the region. As the name says it has a crumbling texture and it is topped with almond and sugar. It is possible to taste with your coffee in the cafes’ in the main piazza.

Torta di tagliatelle is an amusing short crust cake topped with ordinary egg tagliatelle which are baked together with the base. The result is a unique crunchy texture, simply divine.

Relax on the 2 lake of river Mincio.

Mantova as we say in Italian, It is the pearl of Padana plain. In fact the city sits between 2 lakes forming from river Mincio which is formed from the run off water of lake Garda. In short the town the embraced by the 2 lakes and it must said that it is very nice to lounge on the lake banks in the summer hot days.

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